Support thread for those trying to lead an alcohol free life - Autumn 25

[Lavrander]

Hello and welcome!

This thread is for anyone who is genuinely trying to live an alcohol-free life. It was first set up by @drybird and has grown into a safe, supportive space to share thoughts, ask advice, swap experiences, or simply check in as we give up and keep off the booze.

There’s no judgment here – just kindness and encouragement. Whether you post every day, once in a while, or just read along quietly, you’re part of the group. Many of us have found this thread invaluable, whether brand new to abstaining or years into AF life.

Wherever you are on the journey, someone here will have been there too. Don’t be shy about posting – we love celebrating successes of all shapes and sizes, and we’ll support you through the tougher times as well.

The only thing we ask is that your aim is complete abstinence. If your goal is moderation, there’s an a long-running thread for that in this board that will be a better fit for you. That doesn't mean that slips don't happen, and we'll support you in picking yourself back up and carrying on, cheering you on as you do.

Living alcohol-free isn’t always easy in today’s world, but it is absolutely worth it. And you don’t have to do it alone – we’re here to help each other realise just how good AF life can be.

@Swimfreak

We are here for you ❤️. Day ones are so hard, bloody awful to keep going through them so close together. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. I know what that feeling of waking up and then getting 'through the day is like so well. A black day full of the worst anxiety and depression and regret. You are doing so well to pick yourself up and get back on here. It will get better. It will I promise. Sending courage and love

It was Ok doing my first Birthday lunch without alcohol. The pub did a decent AF prosecco and I had a couple of glasses of those.

Phew another first knocked off the list.
Thank you for all the birthday wishes.

Morning shipmates, sending strength to all on this rainy bleak Monday. We can do this!

Morning :) I went to a party on Friday night, bought some white McGuigan 0% on the way and it actually wasn’t bad. There were loads of couples and I just didn’t want to keep having a conversation about not drinking so kept it topped up and I survived. Did don’t even fancy drinking but did get tired after 10pm so thinking I’m managing to keep a semblance of a social life.

Day 60 today for me

Morning all
day 17
i love the clearheadedness of mornings.
and I am beginning to sleep better

however dog has just thrown up on the bed, new dog food, will be changing back. So that wasn’t fun.

of to run dh to various activities. And do some Xmas shopping for the family we are seeing soon,

have a good one ladies.

My DH got pretty drunk saturday. He isn't an abusive drunk, he's a 'fun' drunk. I realised how stressed it makes me feel when he gets drunk. He's unpredictable, silly... annoying but also makes me feel anxious.

We spoke about it yesterday and he agreed it was excessive, i dont mind him drinking, but it shouldn't be to excess. He agreed.

It started off a trail of rage in my own thinking. Not at DH, but just how insane our culture is about booze. I am the one asked to explain why I don't do want to keep pouring this poison down my throat. Thinking about my kids having to navigate this booze crap (I hope the media are right and its better for them).

So grateful to be sober, not waking up like so many other Mondays having starting drinking sunday afternoon, and drinking more than a bottle of wine. Sleeping like shit and waking up, after a fitful night of sleep anxious and worried I smell of booze. I know my daughter (who is primary age) already didnt like me drinking... I bet i made her feel like DH made me feel.....

Onwards and upwards. So grateful to be here with you wonderful ladies x

Morning all.
Tis raining here.

I had a terrible night. However I have an appointment with the hand surgeon this afternoon. I can hardly write so any improvement will be better than nothing.

@Womanshour your post resonates with me so much.
My dh rarely drinks. He went out Saturday night and all yesterday just wasn't as he usually is. I just found him really annoying ( and he's not annoying at all irl).
I then reminded myself how annoying I was, not only in drink ( I was 'fun' too, but I'm pretty sure I was a pain, too), and hungover - sending him for junk food, moaning etc.
I am so grateful to be sober, too. 5 months af and I've never felt better.
It does involve a lot of reflection.

I hear you on the drunk partner thing. I don't want to be that person but given I know exactly how I used to feel the day after I have to really bite my tongue. I know why he's grumpy, wanting loads of junk food, sleeping poorly, and also I can now recognise the grogginess in his face. And I'm annoyed! I get over it by continuing to do my own thing but I do want to give him a bit of a wobble. He's just not there though. Maybe he'll never be.

@Lavrander

That is so hard, I would struggle if I had a partner around me drinking. Not really during the week but I would find the weekends torturous if he/she were drinking to any kind if excess.

On my second day of fasting and feeling MENTAL. Kind of last push to get down to my goal weight so hitting things hard this week, did another 5 mile run on the treadmill at the gym yesterday.

Functioning on fumes and mind feeling very wild and flights so definitely will eat later today.

What can I say? I am an extreme person. Ffs

*wild and flighty

Morning all.

Not a great night health wise.
The dog then decided to bark. He's all of 8kg so he's not going to help re a burglary!

I have a new consultant to add to my list. I feel like health bingo.

A gentle day is needed.

I hope you have the gentle day you need @WendyWagon.
gym today today
then a massage this afternoon.

@WendyWagon A new consultant sounds it could be a really good step in the right direction? As long as he/she listens to you and reads your notes of course 🙄. Are you nhs or private by the way? I hope you can have a cosy and restful day your end 🥰

I had to cancel my interview tomorrow as the commute would be 2 hours each way by public transport. It turns out the hospital wasn't in Exeter center but out in Digby and sowton which is a mare to get to with trains and busses for 8am. Well more then a 'mare' more like impossible.

So back to square 1 but spent the weekend applying for all band 5 positions whether they asked for previous experience or not. I need a job!

Obviously still hoping for a private nursing gig to appear with an elderly man in a Gothic mansion......

Good morning shipmates. So sorry for your news @Onewildandpreciouslife and everyone suffering at the moment. ❤️💐 I hope and pray for better days ahead.

It was me about Slimming World and the stickers @FiloPasty - off there tonight.

Looks like we are on the home stretch with my health issue - I had an appointment yesterday. Got another 10 days worth of antibiotics and an instruction to feast as much as possible on those 'active friendly bacteria' yoghurts and drinks, as the pills have stripped all bacteria bad AND good from my system. Yum yum.

Glad you had a sober Saturday @Becky3825 - that's a great achievement.

Strength and courage. xx

@REP22 💜

Thanks @REP22 I hope a sticker coming your way :) I keep dipping into the Halloween candy, it’s better than drinking but not helping the scales. Good luck tonight x

@Becky3825 well done on your sober weekend, you are on a roll, I’m sure a great job is coming for you too x

Good morning all - @WendyWagon I hope your day goes as gently as possible, @Becky3825 good luck with the job applications, and thankyou for your encouragement. In the mornings it all seems so easy to decide to stay sober - by 5pm it's a different story - will kasp trying different strategies to fight the wine witch! Have a good day all x

Glad you’re improving @REP22 - these days if I go on antibiotics I always drink lots of kefir and don’t leave the house without Imodium Instants (after a very stressful experience in a shopping centre!)

Look after yourself @WendyWagon

Good luck this afternoon @Swimfreak - do you have a plan ?

Whilst I’m still early days in the scheme of things, those first few days, weeks I relied heavily on 0% options, cider, beer. So when those cravings came in I opened one and it genuinely really helped. I was worried I was over reliant but it helped so much, and I’m only really using them now when I go out. I promise it gets easier.

Also I’ll pass on the adventure I was given on here to take vitamin B1, randomly in the series I mentioned then said not to watch because of alcohol themes, the guy in it they think has dementia but it’s actually a B1 deficiency from the boozing!

@Onewildandpreciouslife I'll be walking the dog later - and another dog for someone who's currently housebound. The danger point comes when driving back and I pass the local shop - that little voice tells me I could stop and buy just one bottle - it'll last a couple of nights. Of course it's gone in a couple of hours.
So - any form of payment will be left at home
As soon as I'm back - PJ's on and car keys upstairs in a drawer - anything to make popping back out harder!

@FiloPasty that's good to know about 0% options - I try to convince myself sparkling water is a replacement, but maybe I should get some other 'special' alcohol free tipples!

Should say advice above not adventure.

@Swimfreak definitely get the 0% options in , super super helpful. Not v impressed with the red 0% I tried - sainsburys but the 0% McGuire’s white wasn’t bad at all. I prefer a 0% beer though even though wine was always my tipple.

@FiloPasty I prefer 0% beer, too, when wine was my drink. 0% eisberg is ok, I enjoyed that. 0% Freixenet is great and the aldi 0% fizz lovely, and good value.
My very special discovery is crodino and fever tree tonic. Had last night with a few slices of orange, and the clementine tonic ( blood orange lovely too). Perfect for summer and I hope I can get a similar mocktail on holiday this week. I'm sure I can.
Had a Sans Bitter in Geneva early this year. That was lovely too.